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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Officials with Main Street Ottumwa, the downtown revitalization program, were honored with four awards at a state-wide celebration held on Friday in Des Moines.

“We were very fortunate to receive an award in the business improvement category, which is the best adaptive use of a building.  That category focuses on an old building that has been renovated and reinvented.  The building that was awarded to was the Appanoose Rapids Building on East Main Street,” said Cindy Woodbury, Main Street Ottumwa Executive Director.

Main Street Ottumwa was also honored with the “Best of the Best” a recognition award for the “Walk On Art Street” program. 

Tim Schwartz was recognized for his work, being named “Volunteer of the Year.” 

Woodbury was recognized for her three years of hard work for the community as well.

KTVO spoke to Woodbury and she was very proud and excited for the community.  Woodbury mentioned that there are many new and exciting projects coming to the downtown area in the near future. Woodbury told KTVO that this is just the beginning of the revitalization program. 

"Ottumwa has just passed the $1 Million mark in local investment, compared to Dubuque which just passed the $500 Million mark.  Dubuque has participated in the program since 1985.  Ottumwa is relatively new to the program," Woodbury said.

The next big Main Street Ottumwa event is called, “Upstairs Downtown.”  That event will take place May 14.  If you would like more information on the event as well as other upcoming events, click here.